Production timeline
Professional printing goes far beyond simply hitting 'print' on a standard office inkjet. It encompasses everything from setting up sophisticated machinery and crafting metal printing plates to the actual print process. Moreover, ensuring quality output involves adequate drying, precise folding, cutting, and meticulous binding. Each step requires a significant amount of time and attention to detail to produce high-quality results.
Turnaround time
Our Instant Price Calculator not only provides you with printing costs but also an estimated delivery date. While the calculator is quite precise, the actual printing time can vary based on the product you choose and the size of your print order.
For smaller quantities, we use a Digital press which offers a quicker turnaround. Larger quantities, however, are printed on a Litho press and generally require more time. Rest assured, our calculator automatically selects the most efficient printing method for your needs.
If you're in a rush and need an order processed quickly, we can expedite it using our Express opton for a modest additional fee. Please check the 'Need it Sooner?' option:
When you have placed your order, you will receive an email confirmation mentioning this estimated date. Once our team has reviewed your order, whcih may require us contacting you, we will submit the artwork into our prodcution workflow and you will receive a further email which may have a revised estimated despatch date - delays can sometiuems be caused by selecting to pay by bank transfer, or if your artwork has some issues which need to be resolved.
If your project is time critical, please allow extra time in schedule as we cannot guarantee your job will despatch on the etimated date, although the vast majority of our jobs do leave us when expected. We only despatch or deliver on weekdays and in the UK use a next day delivery services. Please get in touch if your order is urgent or if timing is critical.
When your job is shipped, you will receive an automated email advising of this. If you have selected Standard Delivery and you are in the UK, then the email will also contain a tracking number. For UK standard deliveries we use DPD who will also email you with their standard options and live tracking.
Digital production
Digital printing involves very low initial costs, making it a great option for smaller print runs. At YouLovePrint, we utilise advanced HP digital offset and digital inkjet technology to ensure exceptional print quality.
Key aspects of digital printing:
- Ideal for small print runs (hundreds of units)
- Minimal setup costs
- Reasonable cost per unit
Which printing press do we use?
We predominantly operate the HP Indigo 100k, high-performance digital offset machines which are both fast and precise, capable of meeting even the most demanding deadlines.
What type of printing press setup is required?
Your artwork is converted into a raster image file before printing. This file serves as a blueprint for the printer, directing it on where to deposit ink on the paper to form your design.
What is the print production time?
For a typical digital print run of booklets, the production time is around 5-7 working days. This timeframe covers all stages from printing and lamination to folding, cutting, binding, and packing.
Factors such as the product type, chosen lamination, binding, and ink saturation can influence production times.
Litho production
Litho printing involves a more time consuming setup process. Artwork is separated into the four CMYK colours and plates are made for each before mounting to the press where they are inked are first inked and transfer the now four colour image to the paper, ensuring crisp, clean prints.
Key aspects of litho printing:
- Ideal for high-volume print runs (thousands of copies)
- Higher initial setup costs
- Very cost-effective per unit
Note: Our instant price calculator auotmatically adjusts to litho pricing as quanties increase ensuring you get the most cost effective price everytime.
Which printing press do we use?
We use Heidelberg XL-106 presses. The Heidelberg Speedmaster excels in industrial-scale printing, delivering consistent, high-quality results every time.
What about the print production timeline?
Typically, the print production time for a litho print run of booklets is about 7-10 working days.
These timelines may vary based on the addition of special features like laminated finishes and binding options.
Potential delays
Our ordering system offers estimated shipping dates. However, exceptionally large orders or bespoke requests might extend production times slightly. Rest assured, we will keep you informed of any delays.
Orders processed during the Christmas holiday period may need an additional one to two weeks in production.
Should we encounter any quality assurance issues during production, we will get in touch with you straight away. There may be minor delays while our production team addresses any aspects of the work that don't meet our exacting standards.
